Monday 27 June 2016 19:56, UK
England boss Roy Hodgson will be making "a brave decision" if he recalls Raheem Sterling for the Euro 2016 last-16 tie with Iceland, according to former England midfielder Ray Wilkins.
Sterling is reportedly in line to return to the starting XI in Nice this evening after lacklustre performances against Russia and Wales saw him omitted from the side that played Slovakia in England's final group game.
Skipper Wayne Rooney told reporters yesterday that Sterling looked 'fantastic' and 'sharp' in training.
Wilkins, who earned 84 caps in a 10-year international career, says a starting berth for the Manchester City winger would be a bold call for England boss Hodgson to make.
"The young man [Sterling] looked shot to me in the last game he played," Wilkins told Sky Sports News HQ. "But that was some time ago.
"He could have come back in training, he could feel a lot better about himself but you'd have to say it's a brave decision if Roy is to play Raheem Sterling because he has looked out-of-sorts, but obviously in training he has impressed."
Sterling was reportedly left demoralised by criticism of his recent international performances and former Republic of Ireland striker Tony Cascarino thinks the youngster's confidence will be boosted if he is recalled by Hodgson.
"He can go past people, we know he can do that," Cascarino said.
"But I personally think it's refreshing if Roy gives him a vote of confidence to say: 'Okay, you haven't done as well as you should do but I believe in you.' That will be a massive boost for Raheem and exactly what Raheem needs.
"Can he go past people? Yes. Can other people do it better than him? Maybe Lallana, but personally I think he is the best dribbler in the side."
Lallana is thought to have sustained a slight ankle knock during the goalless draw with Slovakia although he has trained with the whole squad over the last two days.
But the Liverpool attacking midfielder is yet to score in 26 England appearances, registering just six shots in that period, only two of which have been on target.
"Adam looks wonderful on the ball, I've got to say," Wilkins added.
"He has two lovely feet and works extremely hard from a defensive aspect as well as going forward but at this level, he is not quite creating or scoring as much as he should.
"He gets in good positions but he hasn't scored and it's vitally important we score goals."
Cascarino added: "Even when he was at Southampton, it was him nearly every time that came off.
"He's a player that's in games and when he's in games he can be really good for 20-25 minutes. He can win the ball and he works really hard but then he'll go on the fringe of the game and you won't see Adam as much as you should.
"If he is ever going to become an England regular and a Liverpool player of a high stature he has to take games into the 75th, 80th and 90th minute. That is where Adam falls just short for me."
